"Already, the state is experiencing a series of agitations in the coastal areas strongly condemning the proposed notification," Karunanidhi wrote to the prime minister last month.

Citing the fears of environmental groups that the draft CRZ encouraged growth of certain interest groups at the cost of the environment, Karunanidhi said: "Any drastic changes in the existing regulations may cause distress among the fishermen folk and some interested groups may create law and order problems, utilising the situation."